The Department of Art offers six programs of visual studies leading to the bachelor’s degree: the bachelor of fine arts major (B.F.A.), the studio art major, the art business major, the graphic design major and the interdisciplinary communication studies major. The programs are designed to build on the strengths of a traditional core curriculum while encouraging individual artistic direction and supporting career goals. Completion of a degree program provides the student with the academic background, technical foundation and qualifications necessary to pursue graduate study or a career in the visual arts, communication, education or a related field.

Along with the majors, the department offers a concentration in the Bachelor of Liberal Studies program and a minor in art history. The minor may be elected to accompany a major or chosen to support programs in other fields that interrelate with visual art. In addition to these programs, the department supplies a range of courses that satisfy two of the categories of the Integrated Curriculum: Fine Arts and Historical Analysis as well as the Informational Literary and International Domestic and Global tags.

The department also welcomes students who simply wish to explore their creative interests by taking individual art courses. Introductory studios are open to all students with or without previous art experience or special skills.

Other on-campus resources include an outstanding art collection of Imagist and Abstractionist art. Comprising more than 150 works, this collection is on permanent display in the A.C. Buehler Library. In addition, the University has a vibrant art exhibition and a visiting artist program that each year hosts six or more exhibitions by professional artists that include gallery talks and additional classroom contact.

Chair: Andrew Sobol

Faculty: Dustin Creech, Rafael Blanco, Lynn Hill, Mary Lou Stewart, John Pitman Weber, professor emeritus, Richard Paulsen, associate emeritus